Blizzards, backup plans, and brave decisions
We met at a local café the day before their elopement. The storm was relentless, and the forecast showed no sign of mercy for the rest of the week. Normally, shifting the date can help – but this time, it wouldn’t make a difference. After some deep talks (and a few nervous glances at the weather app), we decided to go for it. A few tweaks to the plan, a whole lot of flexibility, and a touch of Arctic grit – it was game on.
The next morning, I arrived at Sorrisniva Wilderness Lodge. Maggie was getting her hair and makeup done in front of a massive panorama window, where snow flew horizontally as dog teams mushed through powder outside. Kelly had gone to a hair salon in town to get his long hair groomed. Inside, Maggie was visibly anxious – understandably so. The blizzard wasn’t letting up, and she had no idea how their wedding day would unfold.
We had already moved the ceremony from the original fjord location to a nearby forest – a decision made purely for shelter. Thankfully, their celebrant was just as flexible and willing to meet us there. Maggie wiped away a few tears, finished writing her vows, and then slipped into her stunning silk gown.
The first look that melted everything
Kelly arrived back at the lodge looking sharp and smiling wide. At that point, neither of them cared about picture-perfect locations. They chose to do their first look right there in their cozy room. It was emotional, intimate, and exactly what they needed to shake off the nerves.
Then, we headed into the ice hotel – a bonus of staying at Sorrisniva. The bride and groom took a tour inside the icy wonderland and shared a calming shot served in an ice-glass. A quiet moment of joy before the big moment.
A winter wedding ceremony in the Arctic forest
We drove out to the nearby forest for their ceremony. Even though the blizzard continued, the snow-covered trees provided a peaceful shelter. The wind dropped, and in its place: a soft, magical snowfall that blanketed everything in silence.
Under a tall juniper tree, Kelly waited as Maggie walked toward him. Their ceremony was raw, beautiful, and emotional – full of happy tears and deep relief. The celebrant led a handfasting ceremony where their hands were bound together with a cord as they made a symbolic knot. It was heartfelt and perfect, even though the location hadn’t been part of the original plan. I had found it just a few hours earlier – and somehow, it was exactly where they were meant to say their vows.
Arctic paperwork and a flying document rescue
After the ceremony, we made a quick trip to city hall to sign the official papers. While this could’ve been done outside, the celebrant had forgotten a few documents in his office. And just when we thought we’d seen it all, a gust of wind literally tore the papers out of Kelly’s hands. He had to sprint through the storm to catch them before they vanished into the wild. Got ’em!
The most insane northern lights chase ever
Later that night, we met again to discuss the aurora situation. The blizzard was still raging, but the aurora forecast looked promising. We had two options: stay put and hope for a break in the sky, or drive toward Finland, where the forecast showed clear skies – but the risk of getting stuck on remote Arctic roads was real.
After weighing the pros and cons (and a quick prayer to the Universe), we went for it. I was the driver, and it turned out to be the wildest roadtrip of my life. Total whiteout, crawling speed, visibility near zero. Maggie tried to sleep in the backseat, while Kelly played co-pilot, helping me navigate.
Two hours later (on what should’ve been a 40-minute drive), the sky opened up. And there it was – Aurora Borealis dancing above us. Green waves of light swirling across a frozen landscape. Maggie and Kelly were in awe. They had dreamed of a northern lights wedding in Norway – and even with all odds against them, they got it.
How much does a northern lights wedding cost?
at 6.000 €, covering photography, guidance
and an adventure of a lifetime
Dogsledding and wedding portraits by the fjord
The next morning, I met them at Holmen Husky for the final adventure of their elopement – dog sledding through the forest. The snowstorm was still going strong, but it only made the experience more magical. The huskies raced through the powder, tails wagging and tongues flapping.
After tea in a lavvu and some husky cuddles, we had one last mission: the fjord.
Even though their winter wedding had already been everything – emotional, challenging, unforgettable – we wanted to honor the original dream. So on day three (that turned out to be a nice and clear sunny day – against all odds), they got dressed up again and we snuck out from the lodge for some final portraits with the fjord in the background. The bride and groom finally got their fjord views. And honestly? It was the cherry on top of the most incredible Arctic elopement adventure.
This is what an adventure wedding in Norway looks like
This northern lights elopement in Alta wasn’t the easiest, but it was real. It was wild. It was them. And in the end, that’s what a Norway winter elopement is all about – embracing nature, rolling with the unexpected, and letting love lead the way.
If you’re dreaming of your own northern lights wedding, or planning an arctic elopement in Norway, just know: magic happens when you least expect it. And sometimes, it takes a blizzard to prove just how strong your love really is.
Turn your northern lights
elopement dream into reality
is closer than you think! Let’s make it unforgettable! I’ll capture every magical
moment and bring your vision to life.
Vendors list for this northern lights elopement in Alta
- Photographer – TS Foto Design
- Florals – Mester Grønn Alta
- Dog sledding – Holmen Husky
- Hair and makeup – Bech salong
- Accomodation – Sorrisniva Wilderness Lodge
Read other blogposts
And plan your own winter elopement
